Participants of the China-Africa Handcraft Workshop Program discuss woodcarving techniques. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]

The Qiaochuifang — China-Africa Handcraft Workshop Program launched on Oct 22 at Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction in Dongyang, a county-level city of Jinhua, Zhejiang province.

The program brings together nine woodcarving artists from Ghana and Tanzania, with 16 African students in Zhejiang, for a month-long creative exchange on woodcarving.

Qiaochui refers to a master artisan named Chui from ancient China. This initiative, centered on "Chinese stories" and "Chinese craftsmen", aims to deepen African participants' understanding of how Chinese modernization values and innovates traditional culture, bridging the gap between Chinese and African civilizations.

Jinhua is a hub for China-Africa cooperation and has long been active in cultural, tourism, and artistic exchanges, while Dongyang, famous for its woodcarving heritage, provides a strong foundation for the program.

Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction has welcomed African students since 2018, many of whom have successfully integrated Dongyang woodcarving techniques into furniture design, e-commerce, and business management, becoming cultural ambassadors.

At the launch ceremony, African artists shared their cultural insights and creative philosophies. Owusu-Acheampong Ampong Irene from Ghana emphasized that woodcarving is not only an art form but also a narrative of cultural identity, craftsmanship, and imagination.

She highlighted that the Qiaochuifang platform showcases artistic skills while symbolizing China-Africa friendship and cultural dialogue.

In the coming weeks, Chinese and African artists will participate in technical discussions and joint creation, blending cultural elements into woodcarving to create artworks that represent China-Africa friendship and craftsmanship.